Dili, June 16 (AseanAll)  — The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta, received Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Tiffany McDonald on June 16, 2025 at the Presidential Palace,. The meeting is part of the diplomat’s current visit to Timor-Leste, focused on strengthening the partnership between the two countries, especially Australia’s continued support for Timor-Leste’s full membership process in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

During the meeting, Ramos-Horta reaffirmed Timor-Leste’s strong commitment to fulfilling all necessary requirements to join ASEAN, and expressed his deep appreciation for Australia’s consistent and diversified support.

Both leaders addressed key areas of cooperation, strategies to overcome existing challenges, and the shared vision of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, with Timor-Leste as an active member of ASEAN.

The Head of State emphasized Australia’s role as a fundamental and long-standing ally, particularly highlighting assistance programs that have contributed to strengthening Timor-Leste’s institutional capacities in the context of regional integration.

Both parties expressed optimism regarding Timor-Leste’s future membership, considering that this will represent a significant benefit both for the country and for the ASEAN community, contributing to even more robust regional integration and cooperation.